Advance Your Career as a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at the VA

Are you a dedicated Ophthalmic Assistant looking to transition into a mission-driven environment? The Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, is currently seeking a skilled Health Technician (Ophthalmology) to join its team. This role is a vital component of the VA’s commitment to providing world-class, compassionate care to those who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) serves at the GS-8 full performance level. You will play a critical role in the diagnostic and surgical phases of ophthalmic care. Key responsibilities include:

Performing advanced diagnostic protocols, including OCT, pachymetry, and visual field testing.
Assisting ophthalmologists during clinical surgical procedures such as biopsies and intravitreal injections.
Triage of patients with urgent ocular conditions.
Maintaining and calibrating sensitive clinical equipment to ensure accurate patient outcomes.
Educating patients and their families regarding pre- and post-operative care.

Comparison of Role Requirements

Requirement	Status
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen Required
Certification	JCAHPO (COA or higher) Required
Background Check	Required
Physical Exam	Required
Telework	Not Available

Requirements for Success

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements, including:

Professional Certification: Current certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or higher.
Clinical Proficiency: Ability to perform complex tonometry, pupil evaluations, and intraocular lens calculations.
Physical Compliance: Successful completion of a pre-employment physical.
Vaccination Requirements: Compliance with the VA’s seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range of $55,882 to $72,644 per year, commensurate with experience and federal pay scales. As a VA employee, you may also qualify for federal retirement benefits and the ability to accrue annual leave based on prior service.

Why Join the VA?

Choosing a career with the VA allows you to work alongside medical professionals dedicated to the highest standards of care. In addition to a competitive salary, the VA offers a stable work environment, opportunities for professional development, and the profound satisfaction of supporting America's Veterans.

Application Tips

Be Specific: When writing your resume, emphasize your experience with specific machines, such as the IOL Master or automated perimeters.
Documentation: Ensure all documents, including transcripts and certification proof, are uploaded in the correct format.
Follow Directions: The VA recruitment process is highly structured. Missing a single form can result in your application being rejected.

If you are a certified Ophthalmic Assistant with a passion for clinical excellence and a desire to serve our Veterans, this position at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center offers an outstanding opportunity for growth. Take the first step in your federal career today by preparing your application and applying through the official portal.

Why This Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job Matters

Advance your clinical career by joining the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center as a Health Technician (Ophthalmology), where your technical expertise directly improves the lives of our nation's Veterans.

Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Health Technician (Ophthalmology) to join the team in Charleston, South Carolina. In this role, you will work closely with ophthalmologists to provide diagnostic, surgical, and preventative eye care. You will be responsible for complex diagnostic testing, patient education, and maintaining clinical equipment standards, ensuring that Veterans receive the highest quality of vision care in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Requirements for Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

U.S. Citizenship
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or higher via the JCAHPO
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination
Willingness to undergo a background and security investigation
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period
Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements

Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

Expertise in ocular diagnostic instrumentation and maintenance
Demonstrated experience in surgical assisting for ophthalmology procedures
Advanced knowledge of eye anatomy, physiology, and optics
Ability to calculate intraocular lenses accurately
Skill in teaching and mentoring medical students or residents

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Opportunities for annual leave accrual credit
✓Professional development and training in a VA clinical setting
✓Supportive team environment dedicated to Veteran care
✓Access to Federal employee retirement benefits

💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your long-form resume or CV detailing relevant experience.
Gather required documents, including professional certifications, transcripts, and any applicable SF-50 forms.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided application portal.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 3, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and clear when describing your clinical experience; do not assume the hiring manager understands your previous duties.
Ensure all educational documents are from institutions accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
Double-check that your contact information is current so the hiring office can reach you for potential interviews.
Submit your package well before the deadline to account for any technical issues.
Review your application status periodically through your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of independence will I have in this role?

As a GS-8 Health Technician, you will operate with a high degree of independence while performing complex diagnostic procedures and clinical tasks under the general supervision of an ophthalmologist.

Is a background check required?

Yes, all selected applicants are subject to a security and background investigation, as well as a pre-employment physical and drug screening.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

Yes, this announcement is open to the public as well as internal federal candidates.

Is there relocation assistance for this role?

No, relocation assistance is not authorized for this position.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence at the medical center in Charleston.

Can I apply without a JCAHPO certification?

A professional certification is a baseline requirement for this role as outlined in the VA Qualification Standard.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the VA means more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence, integrity, and honor. Our medical centers provide holistic, patient-centered care, offering employees the chance to work in a collaborative environment with advanced medical technologies.